Luke 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

What does Luke 7:2 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:2 describes a situation wherein a centurion's servant, who is highly valued by his master, is severely ill, to the point of being on the verge of death.

The centurion is an officer in the Roman army, in command of a hundred soldiers.

Servants in the Roman world could hold various positions, from manual workers to trusted confidants.

The fact that the servant is described as "dear unto him" suggests that he is more than just a property or a functional member of the household; there is a deep personal care and concern from the centurion for his servant's well-being.

This story sets the stage for the interaction between Jesus and the centurion, highlighting themes of faith, authority, and compassion.

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Historical Context

This verse appears in the Gospel of Luke, which was written to a primarily Greek audience and is thought to date to around 60-80 AD.

It provides not only the message of Jesus but also caters to the understanding of a non-Jewish audience.

The Roman army was the backbone of the empire's power, and centurions were key figures within the military hierarchy, known for their discipline, leadership, and ability to command.

The mention of a centurion indicates the interaction between the Jewish populace and Roman occupiers during Jesus' time.

Slavery and servitude were common in Roman society, and the relationships between servants and masters could vary significantly.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse highlights the universality of Jesus' ministry, extending beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles like the Roman centurion.

The centurion's care for his servant challenges the expectations of a typical master-servant relationship and prefigures the inclusive nature of the Christian message.

This narrative also sets up for subsequent verses where Jesus comments on the great faith of the centurion, thus elevating the notion that genuine faith surpasses cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to have compassion and care for all individuals, regardless of their social status or cultural background.

It also is an invitation to approach Jesus with our needs, trusting in His power and willingness to heal and intervene in difficult situations.

The centurion serves as an example of how one should value and advocate for those who are in positions of less power or influence.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:5-13: Another account of Jesus healing the centurion's servant, providing additional context and Jesus’ marvel at the centurion's faith.
Acts 10:1-48: Cornelius, a centurion, is another example of the early Christian gospel reaching a Roman official.
James 5:14-15: Encouragement to pray in faith for the sick, expecting that God can heal.
Galatians 3:28: Declaration that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free.

Language Study

The key terms in the original Koine Greek text of this verse include:

"Centurion” (κεντυρίων, kentyrion): A Roman officer in charge of a century, which is typically understood as 80-100 soldiers.
"Servant” (δοῦλος, doulos): A slave or bond-servant; often used to denote one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another.
"Dear” (ἔντιμος, entimos): Valuable, precious, or esteemed; indicates the servant's high regard in the eyes of his master.
"Sick” (ἀσθενέω, astheneo): To be weak, infirm, or ill.
"Ready to die” (ἀποθνῄσκω, apothnesko): On the verge of death or about to die.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Roman concept of patronage and loyalty would have provided insight into the relationship between the centurion and his servant.

Within the Roman patron-client framework, mutual benefit and loyalty were expected.

By extension, the centurion's concern for his servant reflects a higher degree of personal investment than was typically required by law or custom.

Comparisons can also be drawn with other ancient myths where gods or divine beings heal or interact with mortals, but the Christian narrative is distinct in its historicity and the emphasis on a personal relationship with the divine (Jesus) who walks among humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of health and sickness differ significantly from those in the ancient world.

While the verse does not specify the illness, contemporary medicine may be able to diagnose and treat many conditions that were once considered terminal.

Understanding illness through scientific means does not preclude the importance of care and compassion for the sick, a value that is seen as timeless and reflected in this verse.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of this verse.

Many emphasize the centurion's faith and the compassionate intercession he makes on behalf of his servant.

Commentators like Matthew Henry point to the fact that the centurion, as a man of authority, recognizes a similar, yet superior, authority in Jesus to heal and command even illness to leave.

Others, like William Barclay, highlight cultural barriers that Jesus crosses in responding to the plea of a Roman soldier, one of the oppressors of the Jewish people, signifying the breaking down of dividing walls through Jesus' ministry.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 7:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?